‘People with brain injuries don’t need their families any less’

Psychologists say visits by loved ones are important for all patients, regardless of their injuries.

Salma Al Ghaithi visits her father at CMRC, with nurse manager Abdullah Abu Mustafa looking on. Ravindranath K / The National

ABU DHABI// Salma Al Ghaithi speaks to her father constantly. He was the first person she told when she finally got her driving licence and the first to hear about her brother’s new job.

“I tell him everything that happens in our lives,” said the 24-year-old, who maintains a daily vigil at his bedside, even sleeping at the Cambridge Medical and Rehabilitation Centre where he is being cared for.

It has been two years since Ms Al Ghaithi’s father suffered a series of strokes. His condition is such that he is unresponsive to his surroundings. This does not deter his daughter.

“He can hear me,” she said. “I know he can.”

Visits by loved ones are important for all patients, regardless of their injuries, said psychologist Nasser Al Reyami.

Unfortunately, those who are bedridden and unresponsive are often neglected because some families believe there is simply no point in visiting.

“The patient is not aware and the family are busy with their lives, children, jobs and so on. Visits gradually become fewer until they stop altogether or maybe happen once or twice a year.”

Dr Yaseen Aslam, psychiatrist and director at The Lighthouse Arabia, said it was important for patients to have family support.

“It is integral for their well-being and they should be treated like any other patient. People with brain injuries don’t need their families any less,” he said.

A young Emirati boy who has been at the centre for more than a decade has shown signs of responding to others thanks to the efforts of nurses.

“At the beginning he was comatose, no response at all. Now when he hears our voices he sometimes smiles and reacts,” said nurse Glovyvi Esplana.

The boy, 14, has been at the centre for 10 years. His mother, who accidentally ran him over, causing his severe disabilities, has visited only twice.

Dr Ali Ahmed Mashael, Dubai Grand Mufti, said spending time with patients who are brain damaged or comatose heped to ease their suffering.

“God has called on us to visit the ill and not only is it considered obedience,it is also beneficial for the visitor and a great example to others.”

Dr Mashael said it was wrong to assume that patients are not aware of who has visited them while they are sick.

“God informs the dead of every person who has visited, prayed and greeted them while in their grave. These [brain damaged] people have souls and if not already aware of their visitors then when the time comes, God will tell them.” Visiting the long-term sick, he said, was also humbling and brought people closer to God.

“When you see such people you are more grateful and thankful to God for your health and safety.”